It was lovely meeting you, New York.

Day 9

It was a bittersweet affair, waking up on our last morning in New York. I was going to miss this city and all its’ craziness. In only a week, I had learned so much. About the city, as well as myself.

I’ve compiled a list of observations and lessons New York taught me throughout the week.
Enjoy!

1. The subway waits for no one. 

I calculated about 2.5 seconds for you get on, grab a nearby handle or sit down if your lucky enough to find an open seat. Also, never try to get on last minute by forcing a closing door open. It looks painful.

2. What is silence? 

This city is filled with honking, sirens, talking and yelling. Silence doesn’t exist here, except maybe in a museum; 

but even then if you listen hard enough you can hear the sounds of the city outside.

3. New Yorkers aren’t really all that rude. 

Sure, they walk fast and look unhappy while riding the subway; but they are anything but rude.

 Meg and I talked with quite a few New Yorkers, asking directions, recommendations and just chatting in general. 

They were all more than happy to talk and offer us tips and insight to the city. 

As long as you don’t catch them on their way to work, you’re in the clear!

4. Look both ways before crossing the street. 

Listen to what your mom taught you. Cars, cabs and even bikes appear to exempt from traffic laws. 

Never assume they will yield, see you or stop when the light turns red. That being said, as a pedestrian…

5. Own the streets. 

Strut your stuff across that intersection like you don’t have a care in the world. 

We watched a high-class looking lady walk across an intersection, almost get hit by a car and not even flinch a muscle.

 She merely turned her head, glared at the driver, stuck her nose in the air and kept walking. 

And that, my friends, is how you win the battle of cars vs. pedestrians!

6. There’s a Starbucks on every block. 

Literally every block. And it’s more of a “buy your coffee and get out as quickly as possible” experience. 

Believe me, finding an open table is rare, as well as not having to wait in line for the bathroom.

7. If a subway car is empty, don’t get on it. 

There is a reason it’s empty.  

Meg and I found this out when we stepped in a fairly empty subway car, only to find a terribly smelling homeless man sleeping. Needless to say, we got off as quickly as we got on.

8. Things are expensive here. You just have to get used to it. 

Whether it’s a designer purse or a loaf of bread, in a city with 8 million plus people, things are going to be over priced.

9. It takes a long time to get anywhere. 

Although things in NYC are accessible by foot, subway and cab, it still takes a while to get anywhere. 

Pedestrians, street lights, subway stops, long lines and traffic jams should all be considered when figuring out the time it will take to get anywhere in Manhattan. (We underestimated quite a few times!)

10. Boredom doesn’t exist. 

If you’re bored, it’s your own fault. There’s so much worth exploring. No other city offers someone more to do than NYC.

11. You will fall in love with this city.

I’m sure of it. Whether you’re a city person or not, there is something here for everyone, a place for everyone. 

Yes, it may be overwhelming at times; with the noise, crowds and extensive list of things to do and places to see, 

but it wouldn’t be New York without these aspects. 

As much as I loved my time in the city, I’ll admit it; I was excited to return back home to Minnesota. 

Where Starbucks baristas know me by name, lakes are plentiful, 

and a recipe for a good night is simply being with the ones you love. And maybe a glass of wine and chocolate too :)

Day 9 had arrived; bags packed, plane ticket in hand, 

and one last lingering look at the city before stepping inside the airport.

It was lovely meeting you, New York.

Until next time,